Skin-lightening

ABSTRACT

A light colored standardized extract of  Emblica officinalis  consisting essentially of over 40% by weight of Emblicanin A. Emblicanin B, Pedunculagin and Punigluconin, and not more than about 1% by weight of flavonoids, and methods of producing same. Also disclosed are cosmetic or pharmaceutical compositions comprising the standardized extract and methods of using same to lighten or whiten skin.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to novel skin lightening or whitening oreven toning compositions and methods of administering same for theirpharmaceutical, cosmetic and aesthetic applications.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] As stated in the scientific literature, the type and amount ofmelanin synthesized by the melanocyte and its distribution pattern inthe surrounding keratinocytes determines the actual color of the humanskin. Melanin forms through a series of oxidative reactions involvingthe amino acid tyrosine in the presence of the enzyme tyrosinase. Thefirst step is the most critical because the remainder of the reactionsequences can proceed spontaneously at physiological pH. Thus,tyrosinase converts tyrosine to dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) and thento dapaquinone. Subsequently, dopaquinone converted to dopachrome,through autooxidation, and finally to dihydroxyindole ordihydroxyindole-2-carboxylic acid (DHICA) to form eumelanin (brown-blackpigment). The later reaction occurs in the presence of dopachrometautomerase and DHICA oxidase. In the presence of cysteine orglutathione, dopaquinone is converted to cysteinyl DOPA or glutathioneDOPA. Subsequently, pheomelanin, a yellow-red pigment, is formed.

[0003] The color of the skin and its intensity therefore depend on therate of formation of the melanin, its degree of polymerization, thespeed of exfoliation and the thickness of the horny layer, i.e. thelayer that contains the most pigment. For a more detailed discussion ofthe pigmentation pathway, attention is invited to “Skin DepigmentingAgents”, Michael P. Tabibran M. D., (Medicine Journal, Jul. 8, 2001,Vol. 2, November 7.)

[0004] In general, to reduce cutaneous pigmentation, it is necessary toreduce the rate of formation of the melanin by inhibiting the tyrosinasewhile retarding its polymerization and accelerating the exfoliation ofthe horny layer.

[0005] For purposes of skin lightening or whitening or even toning,topical application of skin lightening or whitening or even toning agentshould have a lightening, whitening or even toning effect on the onlyarea to be treated, produce neither irritation nor post-inflammatorysecondary pigmentation, and cause neither a systemic depigmenting effectnor an allergic reaction.

[0006] In addition, the skin lightening, whitening or even toning shouldbe effective for normal cutaneous pigmentation and its excesses:including but not limited to lentigo senilis, chloasma,hyperpigmentation after use of photosensitizing products, and cicatricalbrown spots.

[0007] In French patent 2730408 published Aug. 14, 1996, compositionsare proposed to regulate cutaneous pigmentation, based on extracts offruits among which is Phyllantus emblica (syn.Emblica officinalis). Thecomposition may be based on a dilute-alcoholic extract obtained from thePhyllantus emblica or an extract obtained, for example by merelypressing the fruit.

[0008] Both the extracts obtained by pressing and the extracts obtainedby alcoholic maceration may then be concentrated at a moderatetemperature under reduced pressure, preferably less than 50° C., thenoptionally brought to the dry state by freeze-drying or any other methodunder reduced pressure and at a temperature that is lower than 50° C. soas to avoid degrading the active ingredients of the fruit. In greaterdetail, examples 3, 6 and 8 of the French patent 2730408 illustrate themanufacture and uses of extracts based on Phyllantus emblica.

[0009] In this French patent, however, there is no indication of thecomposition or the chemical nature of the extracts being defined.Conversely, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,124,268, Ghosal, issued Sep. 26, 2000entitled “Natural Oxidant Compositions, Method For Obtaining Same AndCosmetic, Pharmaceutical and Nutritional Formulations Thereof” there isset forth the chemical composition of extracts of Emblica officinalisobtained by extracting the fresh fruit at elevated temperatures, e.g.70° C., using a very dilute aqueous or alcoholic-water salt solution,e.g. 0.1 to 5%. By this extraction process, in the presence of sodiumchloride, for example, hydrolysis of the glycocidic enzymes in the plantis prevented and the product is protected from microbial infestation.

[0010] In the Ghosal patent, the antioxidant blend of the constituentsis described under the name of “CAPROS”, with claim 8, for example, ofthe patent setting forth the composition as follows:

[0011] An antioxidant blend consisting essentially of, by weight, (1)and (2) about 35-55% of the gallic/ellagic acid derivatives of2-keto-glucono-δ-lactone; (3) about 4-15% of 2,3-di-O-galloyl-4,6-(S)-hexahydroxydiphenoylgluconic acid; (4) about 10-20% of2,3,4,6-bis-(S)-hexahydroxydiphenoyl-D-glucose; (5) about 5-15% of3′,4′,5,7-tetrahydroxyflavone-3-O-rhamnoglucoside; and (6) about 10-30%of tannoids of gallic/ellagic acid.@

[0012] The common names of the enumerated compounds are (1) and (2)Emblicanin A and Emblicanin B, (3) Punigluconin, (4) Pedunculagin and(5) Rutin. There is no mention of its utility as a skin lightening orwhitening or even toning agent has been indicated by Ghosal.

[0013] With respect to acceptability of the products of the French andU.S. Patents for the purposes of skin whitening, they have one or moredisadvantages.

[0014] An object of the present invention, therefore, is to provide anovel composition and method for whitening or lightening or even toningskin for the above described cosmetic and dermatological indicationsamong others.

[0015] Upon further study of this application, other objects andadvantages of the invention will become apparent.

SUMMARY

[0016] It has been discovered that a closely related but novelstandardized antioxidant composition based on an extract of Emblicaofficinalis provides a more acceptable skin whitening composition andmethod of use.

[0017] The antioxidant composition used in the present inventioncomprises a modification of the CAPROS composition, comprising astandardized extract of low molecular weight (<1000) hydrolyzabletannins, over 40%, preferably 50-80% w/w of Emblicanin A, Emblicanin B,Pedunculagin, and Punigluconin with low levels (<1%, w/w) of totalflavonoids whereby the resultant products of the invention can be madeinto elegant white to off-white formulations. Such a composition isdiscussed with greater specificity in pages 28-30 of the Aug. 2001 issueof Soap, Perfumery and Cosmetics, the article having the titleIngredients/Emblica, Bearing Fruit, by Ratan K. Chaudhuri. In thatarticle there is no mention, however, of any flavonoids much less themaximum acceptable amounts in the composition.

[0018] According to the present invention, the total flavonoids aremaintained at a level which does not impair the desired color, e.g.generally, by weight, less than about 1.0%, preferably less than about0.8%, and even more preferably less than about 0.6%. In comparison,commercial competitive products have significantly higher contents oftotal flavonoids and exhibit a significantly darker color. Also, thedesired concentrations of the Rutin species of flavonoids(3′,4′,5′,7-tetrahydroxyflavone-3-0-rhamnoglucoside) in the standardizedextract are less than 1.0%, less than 0.01%, less than 0.001% and lessthan 0.0001%, with a value of 0.01 to 0.001% being particularlypreferred. The most preferred concentrations of the components are on apercent by weight basis of the total dried extract: Most PreferredConcentrations Product Identity % by weight Emblicanin A 20-35Emblicanin B 10-20 Pedunculagin 15-30 Punigluconin  3-12 TotalFlavonoids <1

[0019] The standardized composition may exhibit average percentagedeviations from these preferred values of: Product Identity PreferredDeviation Most Preferred Deviation Emblicanin A ±10% ±5% Emblicanin B±10% ±5% Pedunculagin ±10% ±5% Punigluconin ±10% ±5% Total Flavonoids±10% ±5%

[0020] The antioxidant composition can be obtained by removal of thetotal flavonoids by reversed-phase column chromatography or HPLC using asolvent system of acetonitrile, water/phosphoric acid (20/80/1) or othersolvent combinations as they elute faster than the low molecular-weighttannins. Also, by selection of geographical location, the Phyllanthusemblica fruit extract may provide a substantially lower level of thetotal flavonoids (<1.0%). It has been observed that medium-sized fruitscollected from some parts of eastern India, during October-November,after water extraction and drying, yielded the preferred antioxidantcomposition as a powder with the desired low content of totalflavonoids. Accordingly, by analyzing the total flavonoids content ofextracts and selecting such extracts that contain the desired lowcontent of total flavonoids, it is possible to prepare a standardizedextract.

[0021] In the context of the present invention “flavonoids” include afamily of compounds which exhibit a peak at 350 nm when analyzed by UVspectral data. Examples of flavonoids include but are not limited toflavonols and flavones, a species thereof being Rutin as discussedabove.

[0022] In general, the standardized extract is sold as a powder inpackaged form, e.g. in drums, in amounts of generally at least 500 g,with samples weighing about 50 g. Larger or smaller commercial shipmentsare also possible, the only proviso being that the powder in the packagehas been analyzed and conforms to the above tabulated specifications. Inorder to obtain the packaged powder with the desired specifications, anoptional process comprises blending different batches of powderedextract, with at least one batch being below specification, but with theblend meeting specifications.

[0023] The resultant standardized extract powdery material is thenincorporated in a cosmetically or pharmaceutically acceptable carrier,preferably having a pH of about between 3 to 6.5. The carrier is anyconventional carrier for topical administration and is preferablyemployed in a concentration of about 90% to 99.7%, preferably 95 to99.5. (In other words, the concentration of the antioxidant compositionof the present invention is generally about 0.3 to 10% by weight,preferably 0.5 to 5% by weight.)

[0024] In addition to or included with the above mentioned disorders forwhich this invention can be of use, are without limitation: frecklesreduction, reduction of yellow mass-tone on Asians skins and inhibitionof skin Dischromia related to the aging process, as well as a reductionin redness linked to venous disorders and a reduction in UV-inducedpigmentation.

[0025] The antioxidant composition and formulation of the presentinvention can be optionally mixed with other skin whitening agents,either known prior to the present disclosure as well as those which willbe invented in the future. For example, the skin whitening productswhich can be combined include but are not limited to cysteine,4-thioresorcin, 3-aminotyrosine, 5-hydroxy-2-hydroxymethyl-γ-pyridone,fomesjaponicus and ganoderma extracts, kojic acid, glabridin, liqoriceextract, glycyrrhizinic acid, hydroquinone-β-glucoside, catharanthusroseus extract, proteoglycans, proteinase inhibitors, oligopeptides,betaines, and methyl 4-benzyloxy-2-hydroxybenzoate and4-benzyloxy-2-hydroxybenzoic acid.

[0026] In addition to skin whitening activity, the compositions andformulations of the present invention are effective photoprotectiveagents and can be optionally blended with other photoprotective agents.

[0027] As for the optional photoprotective agents, if sunscreens areadded, suitable sunscreens include any agent capable of protecting theskin from UV radiation including, for example, butylmethoxydibenzoylmethane, cinoxate, benzophenone-8, homosalate, menthylanthranilate, octocrylene, ethyhexyl methoxycinnamate, ethylhexylsalicylate, benzophenone-3, ethylhexyl dimethyl PABA, glyceryl PABA,phenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acid, benzophenone4, ethyhexyl triazone,diethylhexyl butamido triazone, bisimidazylate etc.

[0028] For the purposes of providing a topical formulation with theactive compound or compounds of the present invention, any of the knowntopical excipients can be used therewith such as mineral oils,emulsifying agents, preservatives, anti-oxidants, skin penetrants, etc.,including but not limited to the various topical excipients which areutilized in the Ghosal U.S. Pat. No. 6,124,268 and the referencesdiscussed above. The compositions can be employed as a typical topicalcompositions employed in the dermatological and cosmetic field, e.g.,lotions, gels, emulsions, sprays, sticks, liposomes, etc.

[0029] With respect to the amount of the topical composition which isapplied to the skin, it should be a sufficient amount and for asufficient period of time to visibly whiten the skin. Preferably thetopical composition contains an amount of 0.3 to 5.0% by weight of theinventive composition in a formulated product and preferably for atleast about once per day for a period of preferably at least about twoweeks.

[0030] Without further elaboration, it is believed that one skilled inthe art can, using the preceding description, utilize the presentinvention to its fullest extent. The following preferred specificembodiments are, therefore, to be construed as merely illustrative, andnot limitative of the remainder of the disclosure in any way whatsoever.

[0031] In the foregoing and in the following examples, all temperaturesare set forth uncorrected in degrees Celsius; and, unless otherwiseindicated, all parts and percentages are by weight.

[0032] The entire disclosures of all applications, patents andpublications, cited above or below is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0033] Examples of lotions include but are not limited to the followingformulations: TABLE 1 Moisturizing Lotion with 0.5% Emblica ™ INCI NAME% w/w Phase A-1 Water (demineralized) 59.15 Disodium EDTA 0.05 PropyleneGlycol 5.00 Phase A-2 Xantham Gum 0.20 Phase B PEG-6 stearate,ceteth-20, glyceryl 10.00 stearate, steareth-20, stearic acid StearicAcid 1.00 Hydrogenated castor oil 1.00 Octyldodecyl myristate 8.00Dimethicone 4.00 Phenyltrimethicone 2.00 Sweet Almond oil 3.00 Phase CWater (demineralized) 5.00 Phyllanthus emblica fruit extract 0.50 PhaseD Triethanolamine 0.10 Phase E Phenoxyethanol, Isopropylparaben, 1.00Isobutylparaben, Butylparaben Total 100.00

[0034] TABLE 2 Lotion with 0.5% Emblica ™ INCI NAME % w/w Phase A Water(demineralized) 66.61 Disodium EDTA 0.10 Propylene Glycol 2.00 Sorbitol2.00 Sodium Lauryl Sulfate 0.15 Phase B Glyceryl stearate 5.00 Stearicacid 1.00 Persea Gratissima (Avocado) oil 15.00 Unsaponifiables Beeswax1.50 Phase C Water (demineralized) 5.00 Phyllanthus emblica fruitextract 0.50 Phase D Triethanolamine 0.14 Phase E Propylene glycol, DMDMHydantoin, 1.00 Methylparaben Total 100.00

[0035] TABLE 3 Lotion with Emblica ™ (O/W) INCI NAME % w/w Phase AParaffinum Liquidum (Mineral Oil) 8.00 Trilaureth-4 Phosphate 1.50Polyglyceryl-2 Sesquiisostearate 2.00 Isopropyl Palmitate 6.00 OctylStearate 5.00 Carbomer 0.40 Phase B Glycerin 3.00 Preservatives q. s.Water (demineralized) 68.60 Phase C Water (demineralized) 5.00Phyllanthus emblica fruit extract 0.50 Phase D Triethanolamine q. s.Total 100.00

[0036] TABLE 4 Lotion with 1.0% Emblica ™ INCI NAME % w/w Phase A Water(demineralized) 65.97 Disodium EDTA 0.10 Propylene Glycol 2.00 Sorbitol2.00 Sodium Lauryl Sulfate 0.15 Phase B Glyceryl stearate 5.00 Stearicacid 1.00 Persea Gratissima (Avocado) oil 15.00 Unsaponifiables Beeswax1.50 Phase C Water (demineralized) 5.00 Phyllanthus emblica fruitextract 1.00 Phase D Triethanolamine 0.28 Phase E Propylene glycol, DMDMHydantoin, 1.00 Methylparaben Total 100.00

[0037] TABLE 5 Skin Lightening Lotion INCI NAME % w/w Phase A-1 Water(demineralized) 55.05 Disodium EDTA 0.05 Propylene Glycol 5.00 Phase A-2Xantham Gum 0.25 Magnesium aluminum stearate 0.40 Phase B Cetearylalcohol and cetearyl glucoside 7.00 Apricot kernel oil 10.00 Octylstearate 3.00 Dimethicone 6.00 Phase C Water (demineralized) 10.00Phyllanthus emblica fruit extract 2.00 Phase D Triethanolamine 0.25Phase E Phenoxyethanol, Isopropylparaben, 1.00 Isobutylparaben,Butylparaben Phase F Fragrance 0.25 Total 100.00

[0038] TABLE 6 Skin Lightening Lotion INCI NAME % w/w Phase A-1 Water(demineralized) 56.18 Disodium EDTA 0.05 Propylene Glycol 5.00 Phase A-2Xantham Gum 0.25 Magnesium aluminum stearate 0.40 Phase B Cetearylalcohol and cetearyl glucoside 7.00 Apricot kernel oil 10.00 Octylstearate 3.00 Dimethicone 6.00 Phase C Water (demineralized) 10.00Phyllanthus emblica fruit extract 1.00 Phase D Triethanolamine 0.12Phase E Phenoxyethanol, Isopropylparaben, 1.00 Isobutylparaben,Butylparaben Phase F Fragrance 0.25 Total 100.00

[0039] TABLE 7 Lotion with 0.2% Emblica Formulation # EUS 18-87 INCIname % w/w Phase A Water (demineralized) 60.73 Na2 EDTA 0.05 PropyleneGlycol 5.00 Phase B PEG-6 Stearate and Ceteth-20 and 10.00 GlycerylStearate and Steareth-20 Glyceryl Stearate and PEG-100 Stearate 6.00Stearyl alcohol 3.00 Dimethicone 4.00 Phase C Water (demineralized)10.00 Emblica oficinalis fruit extract 0.20 Phase D Triethanolamine 0.02Phase E Phenoxyethanol and Isopropylparaben 1.00 and Isobutylparaben andButylparaben Total 100.00

[0040] TABLE 8 Lotion with 0.5% Emblica Formulation # EUS 18-89 INCIname % w/w Phase A Water (demineralized) 60.39 Na2 EDTA 0.05 PropyleneGlycol 5.00 Phase B PEG-6 Stearate and Ceteth-20 and 10.00 GlycerylStearate and Steareth-20 Glyceryl Stearate and PEG-100 Stearate 6.00Stearyl alcohol 3.00 Dimethicone 4.00 Phase C Water (demineralized)10.00 Emblica oficinalis fruit extract 0.50 Phase D Triethanolamine 0.06Phase E Phenoxyethanol and Isopropylparaben 1.00 and Isobutylparaben andButylparaben Total 100.00

[0041] Comparison Of Preferred Embodiments Versus CommercialCompositions

[0042] In the following tables there are presented representativeanalyses of components of Applicants' products versus commercialproducts, and also a table which compares the absorbances of Applicants'product versus the commercial products. The latter table is importantfor it demonstrates that products of the invention have a lighter colorand can be formulated into aesthetically superior products than thecommercial extracts. As such, the following tables are self-explanatory.TABLE I Percentage Total Flavonoids (% w/w) Present in the Product ofPresent Invention vs. Commercial Products Examples Supplier Lot Number %Flavonoids  1 Present Invention CA 0107009 0.93  2 Present Invention CA0107010 0.91  3 Present Invention CA 0107011 0.84  4 Present InventionCA 0107012 0.88  5 Present Invention 8001 0.46  6 Present InventionKAMJ-544 0.68  7 Ayush Herbs, Inc., USA Ay/Amla/00461 7.77  8 Geni,Inc., USA* AML-01 2.75  9 Geni, Inc., USA AME-T1 4.06 10 Geni, Inc., USAAME-T2 3.41 11 Rose Color, Inc., USA R-8 1.91 12 Tripple Crown America,EO-0525 3.02 Inc. USA 13 Tripple Crown America, EO-0792 2.7  Inc. USA 14Tripple Crown America, EO-1584 2.89 Inc. USA

[0043] TABLE II Percentage Total Low Molecular-Weight (<1,000) TanninsPresent in the Product of Present Invention vs. Commercial Products %Low Molecular-Weight Supplier Lot Number Tannins in the Product PresentInvention CA 0012006 75.48 Present Invention CA 0107010 72.94 PresentInvention CA 0106007 75.48 Present Invention CA 0008002 67.53 PresentInvention 4001 67.73 Ayush Herbs, Inc., USA Ay/Amla/00461  9.03 Geni,Inc., USA* AML-01 44.17 Geni, Inc., USA AME-T1 17.20 Geni, Inc., USAAME-T2 18.00 Rose Color, Inc., USA R-8 23.40 Tripple Crown America,EO-0525 29.60 Inc. USA Tripple Crown America, EO-0792 28.91 Inc. USATripple Crown America, EO-1584 29.49 Inc. USA

[0044] TABLE III Percentage Low Molecular-Weight (<1,000) TanninsPresent in the Product of Present Invention vs. Commercial ProductsProduct Emblicanin Emblicanin Lot Number A B Punigluconin PedunculaginCA 0012006 22.47 17.11 10.16 25.73 CA 0107010 26.59 14.86 10.32 21.17 CA0106007 27.95 16.36  8.20 24.81 CA 0008002 21.84 16.29  7.61 21.79 400129.32 14.91  4.79 18.72 Ay/Amla/  4.55  2.30  1.92  0.27 00461 AML-01*18.10 12.14  9.43  4.50 AME-T1  8.27  2.93  3.11  2.88 AME-T2  8.58 3.07  3.23  3.12 R-8  9.79  7.94  5.31  0.36 EO-0525  9.94  9.25  9.49 0.92 EO-0792  9.21  9.78  8.83  1.09 EO-1584 10.35  9.29  8.78  1.08

[0045] TABLE IV Comparative Color Profile of Products Obtained from thePresent Invention vs. Commercially Available Products Absorbance(optical density) at different wavelengths (λ) No. Supplier Lot Number350 410 470 530 590 650 1 Present Invention CA 0107009 .621 .152 .037.033 .012 .004 2 Present Invention CA 0107010 .644 .153 .036 .028 .020.004 3 Present Invention CA0107011 .604 .140 .036 .020 .004 .004 4Present Invention CA 0107012 .530 .124 .019 .012 .005 .002 5 PresentInvention CA0008002 .595 .196 .063 .035 .021 .021 6 Present InventionCA0012006 .558 .180 .048 .024 .012 .006 7 Ayush Herbs, Inc.,Ay/Amla/00461 >2.25 1.43 .692 .396 .285 .248 USA 8 Geni, Inc., USA*AML-01 >2.25 1.08 .600 .375 .250 .175 9 Geni, Inc., USA AME-T1 >2.251.27 .540 .311 .195 .150 10 Geni, Inc., USA AME-T2 >2.25 1.29 .680 .448.332 .274 11 Rose Color, Inc., R-8 >2.25 .999 .148 .074 .351 .036 USA 12Tripple Crown EO-0525 >2.25 1.15 .672 .474 .364 .276 America, Inc. USA13 Tripple Crown EO-0792 >2.25 1.73 1.05 .776 .606 .504 America, Inc.USA 14 Tripple Crown EO-1584 >2.25 1.33 .800 .575 .475 .35 America, Inc.USA

Method of Analysis

[0046] Test compounds (0.5 g) were weighed and dissolved in distilledwater (100 ml) by sonicating for 10 min to give a final concentration of0.5% (w/v). The resulting solution was filtered and the absorbance wasrecorded between λ 350 to 650 nm, against distilled water in a DU-64Spectrophotometer.

Results

[0047] Six samples (#1-6) of the present invention clearly exhibit muchless absorbance values at the six different wavelengths (350 - 650 nm)determined in the study. All other samples (#7-14) exhibit much higherabsorbance values at the respective wavelengths studied than any othersamples of the present invention.

Conclusion

[0048] The study clearly indicates the color intensity of competitivematerials is five to over ten times higher in the wavelengths studied.Formulated products containing these materials is found to be muchdarker (unacceptable to consumers and have limited shelf life) coloreven at low concentrations (˜0.1%) whereas formulated products preparedusing the material of the present invention have much better color atany level (˜0.1 to 3% level).

[0049] Accordingly, preferred subgeneric aspects of this inventioninclude but are not limited to standardized extracts having anabsorbance (optical density) of 0.8 maximum in the UV region atwavelength 350 nm and/or a maximum of 0.3 in the UV region at wavelength410 nm and/or a maximum of 0.1 nm in the UV region at wavelength 470 nmand/or a 0.08 maximum in the UV region at wavelength 530 nm, and/or amaximum of 0.09 in the UV region at wavelengths 590 nm and/or a maximumof 0.02 in the UV region at wavelength 650 nm. Thus, comprehensiveembodiments of standardized extracts as related to absorbances are thosestandardized extracts having 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 of the above absorbances,with the most comprehensive having in the UV region a maximum opticaldensity of 0.8 at wavelength 350 nm, a maximum optical density of 0.3 atwavelength 410 nm, a maximum optical density of 0.1 at wavelength 470nm, a maximum optical density of 0.08 at wavelength 530 nm, a maximumoptical density of 0.09 at wavelength 590 nm and a maximum opticaldensity of 0.02 at wavelength 650 nm.

CLINICAL EXAMPLE

[0050] Thirteen Hispanic and thirteen Asian human volunteers weretreated with a test formulation tabulated on the following page entitled“Formulation Used For Clinical Testing (EMBLICA®)”.

[0051] The test formulation was applied to both the right and left upperarms of the volunteers at a rate of 0.05 ml twice daily for 12 weeks.The results were represented using the individual typology angle (COLIPASPF test method); measured by chromometric measurement. TABLE 9FORMULATION USED FOR CLINICAL TESTING (EMBLICA ®) Formulation # EUS17-99 (2% Emblica) INCI name % w/w 1.75 kg Phase A Water (demineralized)58.70 1027.25 Na2 EDTA 0.05 0.88 Propylene Glycol 5.00 87.50 Phase BPEG-6 Stearate and Ceteth-20 and 10.00 175.00 Glyceryl Stearate andSteareth-20 Glyceryl Stearate and PEG-100 Stearate 6.00 105.00 Stearylalcohol 3.00 52.50 Dimethicone 4.00 70.00 Phase C Water (demineralized)10.00 175.00 Phyllanthus emblica fruit extract 2.00 35.00 Phase DTriethanolamine 0.25 4.38 Phase E Phenoxyethanol and Isopropylparaben1.00 17.50 and Isobutylparaben and Butylparaben Total 100.00 1750.00

[0052] The preceding examples can be repeated with similar success bysubstituting the generically or specifically described reactants and/oroperating conditions of this invention for those used in the precedingexamples.

[0053] The entire disclosure of all applications, patents andpublications, cited above or below, are hereby incorporated byreference.

[0054] From the foregoing description, one skilled in the art can easilyascertain the essential characteristics of this invention and, withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope thereof, can make various changesand modifications of the invention to adapt it to various usages andconditions.

1. A light colored standardized extract of Emblica officinalisconsisting essentially of over 40% by weight of Emblicanin A. EmblicaninB, Pedunculagin and Punigluconin, and not more than about 1% by weightof flavonoids.
 2. A standardized extract according to claim 1 consistingessentially of by weight 50-80% of Emblican A, Emblican B, Pedunculaginand Punigluconin.
 3. A standardized extract according to claim 1consisting essentially of by weight: 20-35% Emblicanin A, 10-20%Emblicanin B, 15-30% Pedunculagin and 3-12% Punigluconin.
 4. Astandardized extract according to claim 1 packaged in powder form.
 5. Astandardized extract according to claim 3 packaged in powder form.
 6. Astandardized extract according to claim 4 wherein the powder weighs atleast 500 g.
 7. A standardized extract according to claim 5 wherein thepowder weighs at least 500 g.
 8. A method of producing the standardizedextract of claim 6 comprising selecting at least one extract containingnot more than 1% by weight of flavonoids and packaging said at least oneextract in powder form.
 9. A method according to claim 8 furthercomprising prior to said selecting, analyzing said extract to determinethe content of flavonoids.
 10. A composition comprising a standardizedextract according to claim 1 and a cosmetically or pharmaceuticallyacceptable carrier.
 11. A composition according to claim 10 wherein thecontent of said standardized extract is about 90-99.7% by weight.
 12. Acomposition according to claim 10 further comprising a skin-whiteningagent different from said standardized extract.
 13. A compositionaccording to claim 10 further comprising a photoprotective agentdifferent from said standardized extract.
 14. A method of lightening orwhitening or even toning skin color comprising topically administering acomposition according to claim 11 to skin in a sufficient amount and fora sufficient amount of time to visibly whiten or lighten or even toningthe skin.
 15. A standardized extract according to claim 1 wherein thecontent of Rutin is less than 0.01% by weight.
 16. A standardizedextract according to claim 2 wherein the content of Rutin is less than0.01% by weight of Rutin.
 17. A standardized extract according to claim3 wherein the content of Rutin is less than 0.01% by weight of Rutin.18. A composition comprising a standardized extract according to claim15 and a cosmetically or pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
 19. Acomposition comprising a standardized extract according to claim 16 anda cosmetically or pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
 20. A compositioncomprising a standardized extract according to claim 17 and acosmetically or pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
 21. A standardizedextract according to claim 1 having an absorbance (optical density) of0.8 maximum in the UV region at wavelength 350 nm.
 22. A standardizedextract according to claim 1 having an absorbance (optical density) of0.3 maximum in the UV region at wavelength 410 nm.
 23. A standardizedextract according to claim 1 having an absorbance (optical density) of0.1 maximum in the UV region at wavelength 470 nm.
 24. A standardizedextract according to claim 1 having an absorbance (optical density) of0.08 maximum in the UV region at wavelength 530 nm.
 25. A standardizedextract according to claim 1 having an absorbance (optical density) of0.09 maximum in the UV region at wavelength 590 nm.
 26. A standardizedextract according to claim 1 having an absorbance (optical density) of0.02 maximum in the UV region at wavelength 650 nm.
 27. A standardizedextract according to claim 1 having maximum absorbances (opticaldensity) in the UV region of 0.8 at wavelength 410 nm, 0.1 at wavelength470 nm, 0.08 at wavelength 530 nm, 0.09 at wavelength 590 nm, and 0.02at wavelength 650 nm.
 28. A method of lightening or whitening or eventoning skin color according to claim 14, said composition furthercontaining a pharmaceutically or cosmetically acceptable carrier.
 29. Amethod of lightening or whitening or even toning skin color according toclaim 14, said composition further containing one or more sunscreenagents different from said standardized extract.
 30. A method oflightening or whitening or even toning skin color according to claim 14,said composition further containing one or more antioxidants differentfrom said standardized extract.
 31. A method of lightening or whiteningor even toning skin color according to claim 14, comprising one or moreantioxidants and sunscreen agents different from said standardizedextract.
 32. A method of lightening or whitening or even toning skincolor according to claim 14, comprising one or more skin lightening orwhitening or toning agents different from said standardized extract.